Challenge:

The Data Center Transformation Initiative (DCTI) program, under the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), works closely with the Components to develop strategies, architectures, and plans for consolidation and optimization of Information Technology. The primary challenge for DCTI is to establish a defensible vision for the future of enterprise-level IT and establish trust with Components regarding this strategy. Maintaining or enhancing the value of IT in support of components’ missions is the key driver in this approach. DOJ’s historically federated IT model is not an inherently bad model for individual programs, but when viewed from the DOJ enterprise perspective, it results in less-than-optimal utilization of IT resources. The consequences of not fundamentally changing the way DOJ provides and consumes IT will be an unsustainable level of IT cost where DOJ missions will be forced to accept reduced value from their IT investments or cut non-IT mission spending altogether.

Solution:

The reductions in Federal funding for DOJ over the past years created a willingness in DOJ Components to participate in conversations regarding sharing of IT resources and planning to an unprecedented degree. The Department of Justice and DCTI program turned to trusted advisor, eMentum, to provide insights, compelling evidence, guidance and actionable steps toward a fundamental change in data center commodity IT services for DOJ. eMentum has been a strong advocate for the need of standardized approaches to commodity IT services where DOJ can create scaled economies while better serving mission needs.

eMentum performed this task as a continuation of its work in facilitating strategic planning activities for the DOJ OCIO. Much of the work was conceptual, requiring a nuanced approach to executive-level presentations to drive leaders to consensus while having no direct control over their organizations. eMentum’s ability to articulate both broad, sweeping topics as well as subtleties made them an ideal trusted advisor to provide insights and guidance.

Business Impact:

eMentum provided compelling evidence for and offered guidance toward a fundamental change in data center commodity IT services for DOJ. Ultimately, this transformation was less about technology and more about the governance, business, and culture of both the IT providers and their customers – issues that required the sort of higher level of thinking that sets the eMentum team apart. As a result, DOJ’s adoption of broad IT transformation will be constrained only by the rate at which they can adapt to this course of change. As a trusted partner, eMentum provided the strategic guidance to outline a clear roadmap that empowered DOJ leaders to navigate the transformation.

eMentum is a woman-owned management and information technology consultancy. We deliver strategy, management, and security solutions that leverage our clients’ strengths, minimize their risks, and meet their goals.